Xiao Bao eyes lingered on a skill called [Permanent Discount I]. It's description was: "Everything you buy has a permanent discount of 10%."

With just a cost of 10 System Points, Xiao Bao couldn't believe the value he was getting. His eyes sparkled as he envisioned the myriad of possibilities this skill could offer. He pictured himself strolling through the marketplaces, taking advantage of this ability to secure permanent discounts of 10% on every purchase.

Determined to put the skill to the test, Xiao Bao stepped out of his house, his mind buzzed with ideas as he scanned his surroundings for the nearest store. Upon finding one, he entered with haste, heart pounding with anticipation.

The store was a typical convenience shop, stocked with snacks, beverages, and other daily necessities. Xiao Bao bypassed the rows of colorful packages, his gaze fixed on a chilled soda can near the cashier. It was nothing extravagant, but it was enough to serve as a trial for his newfound ability. The soda can was only 3 RMB.

Xiao Bao made his way to the cashier, his heart still thrumming with excitement. As the cashier ran the barcode over the scanner, the beep echoed through the store, followed by the cashier's voice. "2.70 RMB, please."

Upon hearing the price, Xiao Bao's eyes widened slightly in astonishment. The cashier's words confirmed a 10 percent discount from the store's standard pricing for the chilled soda can. Xiao Bao's heart leapt with joy. The skill was working. He had a permanent discount of 10%. his savings had just begun.

He searched for his bank card, but then realized he hadn't one yet. He then grabbed some cash and paid.

"System notification: Permanent Discount I activated. 10% percent discount applied on purchase."

He grinned, feeling like he had just discovered a treasure trove of riches. He walked back into the store, returned the drink, and received all his money back. He had now earned.

Xiao Bao's heart raced with excitement as he continued to exploit the system's discount feature. He moved with purpose, selecting increasingly pricey items and bringing them to the cashier. As the bills and coins accumulated in his wallet, he couldn't believe his eyes — a full 1,000 RMB now sat snugly within. Although this didn't sound like much, in 2010 this was considered a big amount of money!

Xiao Bao strolled out of the store, a spring in his step, his heart still thrumming with excitement. He cast a glance around, his gaze settling on an electronic shop just a stone's throw away. With a determined set to his jaw, he made his way towards it. His eyes widened as he took in the array of high-end phones displayed in the window, their sleek designs and cutting-edge features beckoning him. He had a specific target in mind – the most expensive phones, the ones that would fetch him the highest amount of money, the more expensive the better.

Xiao Bao's gaze lingered on the iPhone 4. However, his excitement swiftly dampened when he noticed the hefty price tag of 4,999 RMB attached to it. He sighed, his shoulders sagging as he realized he didn't have enough money. His current funds stood at a measly 1,000 RMB, not nearly enough to cover the cost.

With steely determination, Xiao Bao scanned the display for alternative options. He selected a couple of mid-range phones, paid for them, and quickly exchanged them for newer models. After several rounds of this cycle, he finally amassed a total of 5,600 RMB. This amount was just enough to cover the iPhone's hefty price tag.

The moment he claimed his prized iPhone, and wanted to return it immediately the salesperson behind the counter shot him a scrutinizing glance. Their eyes met, and Xiao Bao could sense a ripple of suspicion in the air.

The salesperson behind the counter checked the receipt thoroughly, all the while casting suspicious glances in Xiao Bao's direction. Satisfied that everything seemed to be in order, they questioned Xiao Bao, their tone laced with annoyance.

"Why do you keep returning these phones?" The salesperson demanded.

Xiao Bao's heart drummed uneasily in his chest, as he prepared to put his newfound negotiation skills to the test. In a calm voice, he replied, "I just want to make sure I'm making the right choice."

The salesperson's irritation deepened. "Listen, I don't have all day. If you're not going to buy, then don't just waltz in here, pick something up, and then waltz out. I have other customers waiting."

"But is it illegal what I'm doing?" Xiao Bao asked, trying to keep the nervousness out of his voice.

The salesperson narrowed their eyes for a moment, before answering with a firm shake of the head. "No, it's not illegal. It's just highly uncommon and suspicious behavior."

Xiao Bao apologized to the salesperson, swiftly purchasing the iPhone 4 for the exorbitant price of 4,999 RMB. He then exchanged quick glances with the salesperson as he presented the iPhone 4 for another return.

"Again?" The salesperson's brows knitted together, a drone of annoyance in their voice.

Xiao Bao smiled sheepishly, "I changed my mind. Sorry."

Xiao Bao purchased another iPhone 4, replicating the previous transaction. Upon returning it, the salesperson's annoyance became increasingly palpable, their brows furrowing with each repetition.

As the hours ticked by, Xiao Bao continued his seemingly perpetual cycle of buying and returning the iPhone 4. Each time his wallet becoming fuller and fuller, with each return, the cashier's frustration escalated, but they remained powerless to prevent the unfolding scenario.

Xiao Bao had perfected the art of appearing nonchalant, a skill that only served to exacerbate the salesperson's mounting irritation. With a sheepish grin, he'd return the iPhone 4, uttering a heartfelt apology before swiftly purchasing another and then repeating the process.

Xiao Bao cast a glance at his wallet, his eyes widening in surprise. It was stuffed to the brim with bills, the edges of the notes peeking out from the seams of his bulging purse. As he flipped through the thick wad of cash, a satisfied smile tugged at the corners of his lips, realizing he had amassed a small fortune of thirty thousand RMB.

Sensing the heft of his bulging wallet, Xiao Bao understood the importance of securing his hard-earned fortune. He made up his mind to open a bank account, deciding that it was far too risky to keep such a substantial sum of cash tucked away in his pocket.

Xiao Bao arrived at Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, his wallet significantly heavier than usual. He was determined to deposit the money he had earned from his various returns at the electronics store. As he approached the desk clerk, a swarm of customers bustled around him, each vying for the attention of the harried bank employees.

"Next, please," the clerk, a young woman, beckoned, waving Xiao Bao over to the vacant counter. "How may I assist you today?"

"Good afternoon. I'd like to open a new bank account," Xiao Bao replied, his voice practically trembling with nervous excitement.

"Certainly, sir." The clerk gestured towards a stack of papers. "Please fill out these forms, and provide your identification. I'll initiate the account opening process for you."

Xiao Bao complied, his penmanship neat and precise as he filled in the requested information. He provided his identification, a small swell of pride forming in his chest as he surveyed the rows of zeros printed on his bank card.

With the formalities behind him, Xiao Bao began the process of depositing his earnings, counting the crisp bills with care as he fed them into the machine. He watched as the total balance on the screen steadily climbed, an involuntary grin spreading across his face.

As Xiao Bao completed his transaction and gathered his receipt, a sudden commotion from the nearby crowd drew his attention.

"Xiao Bao? Is that you?" a familiar voice cried out, causing his head to snap around in surprise.

Standing just a few feet away, her short bob framing a delicate face, was Xiao Bao's classmate, Li Fei. Their eyes met, the shock of the encounter visible in her wide, round eyes.

Upon locking eyes with Li Fei, Xiao Bao felt a sudden warmth spread across his cheeks.

He was taken aback by her change in appearance. Back in middle school, the used to often hang out. He liked her back then. She was a well-known beauty in middle school, and many boys liked her, but she rejected every single one of them, including himself. He was still friends with her, but the friendship faded the moment they went to high school.

Li Fei wore a cute outfit. She wore a simple white blouse, and a long black skirt. Her face had become more beautiful, and wore light make-up that accented her big eyes that had long lashes. She wore lipstick that was a little pink. Her body had also matured, her curves at all the right places.

"Hello, Li Fei." Xiao Bao offered a sheepish wave, his voice wavering slightly. He stuffed the bank receipt into his pocket and forced a smile, trying to shake off the nagging feeling of discomfort.

"What are you doing here?" Li Fei wondered aloud, curiosity piqued.

"Just opening a bank account," he explained, trying to make light of the situation. "What brings you here?"

"I came to deposit some money my mother gave me for school expenses," she replied, holding up a small envelope containing a scattering of banknotes.

"Hmm, you've certainly grown since the last time I saw you," Li Fei observed, scrutinizing Xiao Bao from head to toe. "You seem to have shot up in height, and your build has filled out quite a bit, too." She raised her eyebrows, impressed. "You're not the same scrawny kid I remember from middle school." Li Fei's fingers grazed the firm muscles of Xiao Bao's biceps as she sized him up, before she quickly pulled her hand back, her cheeks warming at the realization of her actions.

"When did you become so muscular and handsome?" she thought, embarrassed for feeling him up.

Xiao Bao avoided Li Fei's gaze, his cheeks reddening slightly. He remained silent, feeling a mix of embarrassment and discomfort.

Noticing his disquiet, Li Fei's expression softened. She gently asked, "You're not still holding a grudge against me for that rejection back in middle school, are you?"

She delved into her memories, recalling the past rejection with a tinge of regret. She explained, "Back then, I was really devoted to my studies and didn't want to be involved in a relationship."

Her steady gaze remained locked on Xiao Bao, encouraging an honest conversation and seeking to dispel any lingering tension between them.

Xiao Bao, still feeling a little embarrassed but eager to alleviate the tension, asked, "You're a senior in high school as well, aren't you?"

Li Fei responded with a subtle nod, her gaze never leaving Xiao Bao as they continued their conversation.

Li Fei's eyes lit up, a warm smile gracing her lips. "You're a student at Lunyang High, aren't you?"

Xiao Bao looked at her, glad that he could lighten up the mood. "Yes, what about you?" he managed to ask, curiosity piqued.

"I'm enrolled at Nanxun High," Li Fei confessed, her eyes gleaming with a hint of pride as she spoke of her alma mater. "It's a great school, my classmates are kind to me."

Her expression then shifted, a tinge of melancholy washing over her as she reminisced on the past. "You know, Xiao Bao, I've always felt bad about drifting apart from you. We shared a lot of special moments during our childhood—it feels like a waste to let all those memories fade away."

She paused for a moment, before continuing, her voice filled with a sense of longing. "What do you say we try to reconnect and catch up, just like old times? I'd really enjoy having a good talk with you again. Plus, I'm sure Xiao Mei would be thrilled to see me again." she proposed, her voice brimming with hope.

Xiao Bao's eyes widened in surprise as Li Fei's words sunk in. He hadn't anticipated that she would want to reconnect with him after all this time.

"Don't you have a boyfriend or something?" Xiao Bao asked.

"I don't have a boyfriend, and I never did. I was always too devoted to my studies to entertain such thoughts," she said with a coy smile, her eyes gleaming with mischief as she picked up on his underlying question.

With a slight nod, Xiao Bao replied, "Sounds great. I'm looking forward to rekindling our friendship."

Li Fei's face lit up with joy, and she eagerly pulled out her phone to exchange numbers with Xiao Bao. They promised to get in touch soon, exchanging a few more words before parting ways. With a final wave and a warm smile, Li Fei turned and disappeared into the bustling crowd of Lunyang's busy streets, leaving Xiao Bao to watch her go with a mixture of anticipation and delight. As he made his way back home, Xiao Bao couldn't help but feel that this was the start of a new chapter in their friendship, one that he was eager to explore.